One hundred and two years of history is about to come to an end with the Paragon Cafe forced to quit its historic home in Katoomba Street. Owner Robyn Parker said negotiations over a new lease had failed to secure either much-needed maintenance or a rent cut and she had been ordered to leave. The historic cafe will close its doors on May 27. “It’s horrible,” said Ms Parker, “but I have no alternative. I have been asked to leave the building.” Ms Parker said repairs were urgently needed to save the heritage-listed premises, which features spectacular Art Deco embellishments and furnishings. She said she had asked the landlord to fix the constant leaks which often flood downstairs rooms, have threatened the stock in her window display and have lifted wall panels, damaged floors and led to constant electrical failures. She also sought a reduction in the $200,000 annual rent she has been paying. Ms Parker, who bought the business in 2011, said the Paragon name would continue – somewhere else. “When the dust has settled, we will look at evolving our chocolate products and put the cafe on ice.” The Paragon has been operating as a cafe on the site since 1916, when it was established by Greek immigrant Theo Simos.

Paragon Cafe forced out of Katoomba

One hundred and two years of history is about to come to an end with the Paragon Cafe forced to quit its historic home in Katoomba Street.

Owner Robyn Parker said negotiations over a new lease had failed to secure either much-needed maintenance or a rent cut and she had been ordered to leave.

The historic cafe will close its doors on May 27.

“It’s horrible,” said Ms Parker, “but I have no alternative. I have been asked to leave the building.”

Ms Parker said repairs were urgently needed to save the heritage-listed premises, which features spectacular Art Deco embellishments and furnishings.

She said she had asked the landlord to fix the constant leaks which often flood downstairs rooms, have threatened the stock in her window display and have lifted wall panels, damaged floors and led to constant electrical failures.

She also sought a reduction in the $200,000 annual rent she has been paying.

Ms Parker, who bought the business in 2011, said the Paragon name would continue – somewhere else.

“When the dust has settled, we will look at evolving our chocolate products and put the cafe on ice.”

The Paragon has been operating as a cafe on the site since 1916, when it was established by Greek immigrant Theo Simos.